American colleges and universities play a vital role in shaping future political, cultural, and business leaders. However, there is a growing concern among the American public regarding the current state and direction of higher education and its influence on society. Recent surveys identify important challenges on college campuses related to free speech and tolerance of diverse viewpoints.
This report from the Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth assesses student perceptions about diversity and campus freedom; human progress and beliefs about the future; student attitudes toward entrepreneurship, capitalism, and socialism, and how college is influencing their views.
According to the report, nearly three-quarters of all college students say they feel at least somewhat comfortable speaking about controversial topics in class; however, some 42 percent say that’s because their views align with those of their peers and professors.